Our clients wanted a fussy-free and fresh kitchen with lots of storage. Cabinets: Intense White (BM) Island: Chelsea Grey (BM) Countertops: Frosty Carrina (Ceasarstone) Walls: Revere Pewter (BM) Photo Credit: Joanna Katchutas

Project Overview: This intensively-designed small project by MQ Architecture expanded on a functional outbuilding to make something beautiful, matching the fantastic wooded location directly across the Hudson River from West Point. From MQ Architecture: “This project entitled a surgical demolition of an existing shed and the erection of a small ancillary building. The old structure housed the electrical and communications utilities of a large compound, and the new project had to preserve the location and function of all this equipment, therefore some walls and floor levels are set from the beginning. The program required two different type of users, therefore we decided to split the building in two, allowing for a separate circulation for each group. The upper piece houses the electrical room and the team quarters, while the lower portion holds two individual restrooms for visitors. The project sits in the middle of the forest therefore we chose charred wood to make it blend with the surrounding nature. On the other hand, the polycarbonate façade brings natural light and privacy to the interior. All floors are made of polished concrete for easy maintenance and a radiant slab keeps an optimal temperature during extreme winters.” Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 1100SF Designer: Miguel Quismondo (MQ Architecture) Builder: Miguel Quismondo Date: August 2018 Location: Garrison, NY

Looking for a durable shutter designed to withstand the heat? These Palm Beach Polysatin Shutters from Hunter Douglas are guaranteed to last even in Florida's intense heat and humidity.

A young couple from New York decided to move to the peaceful area of Stamford. They bought a house that needed the love and vision of my clients. We removed the wallpaper and applied a skim coat of plaster to the entire upper area of the house to resurface the walls that had been poorly treated over time and were hidden beneath the wallpaper. It was an intense and careful job because the walls are made of plaster, a type of material used over 40 years ago. We covered areas like the floor and other details that should not be damaged or painted.

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

Elegant bedroom photo in Edmonton

Sunroom - contemporary sunroom idea in Austin

The PLJW 109 wall mount range hood can also double as an under cabinet hood! That's not the only way this hood is versatile. It features a 4-speed blower, adapting to a wide variety of cooking styles. Just push the button to set the blower to the higher speed for more intense cooking, and vice versa for your less demanding food in the kitchen. Easy! This wall range hood includes two heat lamp sockets to warm your food before it's served. And if you don't need these, they also double as additional lighting. Once you're done cooking, you can easily remove the stainless steel baffle filters. Wash these by hand with soap and warm water or toss them in the dishwasher – they won't become damaged. For more specs and features, visit the product page below: https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=pljw%20109

Looking for a circular vessel sink that stands apart from the rest? You’ll find that and more with the Vinnova Enna Series Vessel Bathroom Sinks. This eye-catching sink is crafted from the finest materials to deliver enduring beauty and performance without requiring intensive maintenance. Model# 00316-GBS-BT

This primary bathroom vignette leans unapologetically into bold, art-driven luxury. A sculptural pendant light hovers like modern jewelry, casting a warm glow over a matte black vessel sink and sleek black faucet set. The floating vanity, finished in deep charcoal with subtle fluted detailing, grounds the composition with tailored precision. Above, a statement mirror with softened edges reflects layered artwork and ambient lighting, amplifying the richness of the space. The backdrop is where the drama unfolds. A large-scale botanical mural in deep bronze, olive, and charcoal tones creates movement and texture, while the curved ceiling wrapped in linear mosaic tile adds architectural fluidity. A marble slab backsplash introduces a refined contrast, balancing the intensity of the darker finishes. Moody, immersive, and sculptural, this primary bathroom design blends contemporary sophistication with artistic expression, transforming a functional space into a gallery-like retreat.

Mana is a carefully crafted two bed room home designed for primarily six months of use. There are two bedrooms and an office and a Kitchen, Living and Dining area, but the primary focus of Mana is its comfortable clean feel and its relationship with the site. The large overhangs both shelter the occupants from the intense summer sun and slope up to the dramatic cliff walls that embrace the home. David Lauer Photography

A heightened experience to study and implement light strategies that will be put onto this most exclusive property highlighting Japanese Maple trees over a hundred years old. Such intensive care and love for the property with areas of Zen and meditation. The light intent complements each area in mood and harmony, It was interesting to watch tree specialists that were retained to prune these majestic beauties into Bonsai formations. The attention of detail over the past forty years to manicure these grounds elevated my acumen to do a superb job illuminating each and every focal plant on the property, the areas with specific moods in mind, and finalize with a creative all inclusive scene.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

We are an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

If you have a special dream, a special feature, we have probably already built it somewhere for someone. A full size, regulation Bocce court was this clients dream. Capped with a random flagstone patio and seat wall allows for a cheering section and a comfortable area to relieve the strain from this intense sport. Medina, WA.

Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in San Francisco.

Inspired by the intense contrasts and dynamic shifts of a tempestuous sky, Lacus captures the raw, elemental power of nature. Its striking patterns and deep hues bring the energy and majesty of stormy skies into space.

Open concept kitchen - huge contemporary l-shaped slate floor and gray floor open concept kitchen idea in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This beautiful 1881 Alameda Victorian cottage, wonderfully embodying the Transitional Gothic-Eastlake era, had most of its original features intact. Our clients, one of whom is a painter, wanted to preserve the beauty of the historic home while modernizing its flow and function. From several small rooms, we created a bright, open artist’s studio. We dug out the basement for a large workshop, extending a new run of stair in keeping with the existing original staircase. While keeping the bones of the house intact, we combined small spaces into large rooms, closed off doorways that were in awkward places, removed unused chimneys, changed the circulation through the house for ease and good sightlines, and made new high doorways that work gracefully with the eleven foot high ceilings. We removed inconsistent picture railings to give wall space for the clients’ art collection and to enhance the height of the rooms. From a poorly laid out kitchen and adjunct utility rooms, we made a large kitchen and family room with nine-foot-high glass doors to a new large deck. A tall wood screen at one end of the deck, fire pit, and seating give the sense of an outdoor room, overlooking the owners’ intensively planted garden. A previous mismatched addition at the side of the house was removed and a cozy outdoor living space made where morning light is received. The original house was segmented into small spaces; the new open design lends itself to the clients’ lifestyle of entertaining groups of people, working from home, and enjoying indoor-outdoor living. Photography by Kurt Manley. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/artists-victorian/